← Back to news
June 19, 2026
Charges Filed Against Mark Milk and Jon Rogness in Connection with Niece's Death
- Mark Milk, 51, is charged with five counts, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine that caused his niece's death.
- Milk's life sentence for manslaughter was commuted by Governor Kristi Noem in 2023, shortly before Wendel's death.
- Jon Rogness, 38, faces conspiracy and accessory charges related to the case, which has drawn significant media attention.
- Authorities are investigating the circumstances of Wendel's death, with an autopsy report pending release.
2 Sources
- South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Noem now implicated in his niece's deathJun 19, 2026 at 6:20 AM · ABC News
- Kristi Noem under scrutiny after man she freed faces charges in niece’s deathJun 19, 2026 at 9:04 AM · Independent